Johnson needs urgent correction to technique to remain potent bowling force: Fleming

SYDNEY - Former Australian bowler Damien Fleming believes that Mitchell Johnson must address some technical deficiencies to rediscover his match-winning form.

Figures of 0-66 from 15 overs in England’s first innings at the Gabba continued a worrying run of form for Johnson, who has taken 11 wickets at 49.45 since Australia’s Test series against Pakistan in July.

“I think there is something wrong with his technique, but it’s no different to two years ago. If it’s not going to change now, I don’t know if it ever will. It only takes a drop of 10 per cent for things to start going wrong,” News.com.au quoted Fleming, as saying.

“Mitch has some technical issues and it can’t be changed from Test to Test. I think he needs a good couple of months of remedial work and making sure he gets into a position to release the ball with a stable seam. Where he is now, I think that’s miles away,” he added.

The 40-year-old is however confident that the left-handed fast bowler would strike back soon.

“I like Mitch in the team. He does have a lot to offer. He has an excellent bouncer, a good slower ball and he has variety, but when you’re not at the peak of your form, you keep striving to get your stock ball right and you forget your variety,” Fleming said.

“It wasn’t the worst I’ve seen him bowl the other day, (against England), but mentally he needs to be strong with his body language,” he added. (ANI)